As was briefly mentioned in the previous entry, the discovery of mineral wells in the Harzburg region in the late 19th century resulted in the development of both a new name and a new industry for the city we now know as Bad Harzburg.
For the health-conscious vacationer Bad Harzburg, with many years as a wellness “cure” town, can offer a great solution for those looking for the chance to relax, either by using the medically supervised spa facilities, or by utilising the hiking and wandering possibilities offered by
the town and the surrounding countryside.
The Harzburger Saline Baths, which include a modern Sauna World, provide the holiday guest with the chance to relax with an underwater massage or a herbal Sauna. The photo on the left shows one of the newly established thermal pools within the Harzburger complex.
Bad Harzburg is not only well known for the quality and cleanliness of it’s air but also for the seven mineral springs which supply naturally mineralised water to the saline baths or provide the beneficial waters drunk by those who visit the 19th. century Pump Room.
In an independent survey carried out by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Commerce in 2003 the Bad Harzburg Saline Baths were judged to be the best and most attractive in the Lower Saxony region of Germany.
All the health springs in Bad Harzburg are natural mineral springs and no additional salt or minerals are added. A publication of the Bad Harzburg authorities states that the springs have the following beneficial qualities:
- Dr. Harras-Schneider spring: water for the saline baths.
- Johann-Albrecht spring: waters poor in sulphur ideal for inhalation and exercise baths.
- Krodo Well: for digestion and metabolism.
- Barbarossa Well: healing water for stomach problems, pancreas, duodenum and the gall-bladder.
- Sulphur Well: healing water for chronic illness of the blood vessels or joints.
Built towards the end of the 19th century, the Pump Room with it’s striking Tambour-Pendentif dome is one of the town’s landmarks. In this building, three of the seven Bad Harzburg natural healing waters can be drunk. The rest of the building has been restored to it’s original glory and is used for concerts, readings, lectures and other cultural events.
We were in fact intrigued on our last visit to Bad Harzburg to find that, in addition to the range of healing waters available, it was possible to sit in the auditorium whilst being entertained by a highly professional classical string quartet. It was really fantastic to be able to sit back and relax while simultaneously experiencing the ambience of the classical surroundings, the beautiful music of the era and the sense of the curing waters “doing their thing” to our insides.
Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com
Bad Harzburg is a city in the state of Lower Saxony which is located on the northern slopes of the Upper Harz mountains. It is located about 40km south of Braunschweig close to the Harz National Park.